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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Religion

New Testament

The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian Bible and consists of 27 books written in Koine Greek in the first century CE and early second century CE.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian Bible, consisting of 27 books originally written in Koine Greek. It is central to Christian belief and practice, covering the life of Jesus and the early church.

What it is

The New Testament includes four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), the Acts of the Apostles, 21 Epistles (letters), and the Book of Revelation. These texts were written in the first and early second centuries CE and are grouped by genre: narrative, correspondence, and apocalyptic literature.

Why it matters

Christians view the New Testament as authoritative scripture that witnesses to the fulfillment of Hebrew Bible promises and the new covenant through Jesus Christ. It shapes Christian theology, worship, and ethics, and is foundational for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions in Canada and worldwide.

Key details

The 27-book canon developed gradually through communal use and debate, becoming widely accepted by late antiquity (especially by the late fourth century). The texts were written in Koine Greek for early Christian communities in the eastern Mediterranean, reflecting their beliefs and historical context.

In short

  • The New Testament has 27 books in the standard Christian canon.
  • It includes Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.
  • Originally written in Koine Greek in the first to early second centuries CE.
  • Central to Christian faith and practice in Canada and globally.
Canadian angle

The New Testament is central to the beliefs and worship of many Christians in Canada, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox communities.

Quick questions

How many books are in the New Testament?
The New Testament contains 27 books in the standard Christian canon.
What language was the New Testament originally written in?
Its books were originally written in Koine Greek.
What are the main parts of the New Testament?
The main parts are the four Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation.

Sources

  1. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/bible/new-testament/new-testament
    Supports: 27 books, Greek origin, major contents, place as second part of the Christian Bible
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Testament
    Supports: canonical status in Christianity, 27 books, genres, relation to the Hebrew Bible
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament
    Supports: Greek language, canon development, late 4th-century formalization
  4. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/New_Testament
    Supports: second and final portion of the Christian Bible, Greek originals, collection over centuries
  5. Catholic Encyclopedia — https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14530a.htm
    Supports: 27 books, authorship traditions, historical classification and dating
  6. Jewish Encyclopedia — https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11498-new-testament
    Supports: historical naming and covenant context